Principal Euphonium Required
Ratby Co-operative Senior Band (Championship, Mike Fowles ~ Musical Director) has a vacancy for:
PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM
Solid organisation with 140 players across five bands (beginners to senior); purpose built bandroom; family and friendly atmosphere
Rehearsals Wed (8-10pm) & Sun (6-8pm). M1 Junc 21a.
Applications in the strictest of confidence.
Contact Phil Sturdy (Band Manager) on 07736 827558 or for an informal chat with our MD call Mike Fowles on 07976 232446.
Email: phil.sturdy@ratbyband.com
Posted on Sep 3, 2008
BBC Radio Broadcast, Dec 24
The broadcast of the live concert recorded at St Margaret's Church, Leicester on 27th October has been confirmed for Christmas Eve at 2pm.
The programme is entitled "The Ratby Band at Christmas ~ A modern day version of one of the first concerts broadcast on Radio Leicester 40 years ago."
You can listen to BBC Radio Leicester on 104.9 FM, on local digital radio and via the BBC Website.
[BBC Website]
Posted on Dec 17, 2007
Christmas Newsletter Online
The Christmas Newsletter from Ratby Band is now available online. It feature a feast of festive stories as well as information about the Band's activities over the Christmas Period.
Download Newsletter [pdf]
Posted on Nov 26, 2007
LBBA Success
Ratby Band is celebrating one of its best ever weekends at the Leicester Brass Band Association Contest on Sunday, 18th November 2007.
First the Youth Band won the unregistered section. Later in the afternoon, the Mid Band came a very credible 5th place in the 4th Section and finally, the Senior Band picked up 3rd place (and highest Midland Band) in one of the toughest Open sections the LBBA has seen for many years.
Congratulations to all the bands and their conductors Becky, Geoff and Mike for all their hard work over the last few weeks.
Posted on Nov 19, 2007
Summer Newsletter Online
The Summer Newsletter from Ratby Band is now available online for downloading. It features news on past and forthcoming events by all groups within the organisation.
Download [pdf]
Posted on Aug 16, 2007
Youth Band at EuroDisney
Congratulations to the Youth Band who have returned from a highly successful visit to EuroDisney in Paris, France. A report on the visit has been written one of the players, Sarah Smith.
Read more >>
Posted on Aug 12, 2007
Summer Round-up
It's been a busy summer period for the bands. The Senior Band recently took part in the Senior Cup at the Blackpool Winter Gardens.
While our Youth Band hosted a Car Treasure Hunt to raise funds for their trip to EuroDisney. Unfortunately, Harvey who has only just joined the Senior Band took a slight detour of 11 miles!
Posted on Jul 11, 2007
Ratby Band on YouTube
Ratby Band is now featured on the infamous "YouTube". The clips include the recent performance by the Massed Bands as part of our Spring Prom, the Mid Band at the LBBA Contest in 2005 and an old clip from 1999 of the Senior Band at the Whit Friday Marches.
To view the clips, click here.
Posted on May 12, 2007
Massed Bands on Show
It was a busy weekend for the Ratby Co-operative Band. On Saturday (28 April), the Senior Band played to a packed hall at the Hinckley Concordia Theatre presenting four sets of Classic Brass, Jazzy Brass, Brass at the Movies and Brass on Broadway. The event was organised by Voluntary Action Hinckley & Bosworth which is a local charity that promotes voluntary and community activities in the Borough of Hinckley & Bosworth.
The following day, Sunday (29 April), all five bands performed as part of the annual Spring Prom Spectacular at the Civic Centre, Braunstone. The rousing finale of all bands and over 120 performers included the traditional Proms favourites Fantasia on British Sea Songs, Jerusalem and Pomp & Circumstance March No. 1. A videoclip is available on the homepage.
Congratulations to all the bands that took part.
Posted on Apr 30, 2007
Band "Syked" for Senior Cup
The Senior Band is delighted to confirm that Steve Sykes will be conducting them at the Senior Cup on 19th May 2007.
Steve's musical roots are firmly based in Yorkshire brass bands - in 1978 he accepted an invitation by Elgar Howarth to join the famous Grimehtorpe Colliery Band as Principal Tuba and Soloist. With Grimethorpe he performed as soloist throughout Europe and Austalia. During this period Steve was awarded the prestigious title of 'Granada Television Soloist of the Year'. Because of an ever-increasing demand for Steve's talent both as soloist, conductor and clinician, he now works as a freelance musician appearing in Canada, Europe and Scandinavia and is a firm favourite with players and audiences alike.
All the band are very much looking forward to working with Steve over the coming weeks.
Posted on Apr 26, 2007
Vacancy: Principal Cornet
Ratby Co-operative Senior Band (Championship Section, Mike Fowles ~ Musical Director) has a vacancy for:
PRINCIPAL CORNET
Over 120 players across five bands (beginners to senior); purpose built bandroom; family and friendly atmosphere; top quality MD
Rehearsals Wed (8-10pm) & Sun (6-8pm). M1 Junction 21a.
All applications in the strictest of confidence.
Contact Steve Greenall (Chair) on 07887 708981 / 024 7671 1900 or for an informal chat with our MD call Mike Fowles on 07976 232446.
Email steven.greenall@ratbyband.com
Posted on Dec 4, 2006
New CD Released
The Centenary recording of the Ratby Co-operative Band has been released. Featuring the Senior Band, this bumper CD of 16 tracks and over 73 minutes of music includes something for everyone.
For a full track listing and to listen to soundclips of the CD, please visit our recordings pages
Posted on Sep 11, 2006
Instrument Stolen
We are saddened to report that one of our instruments has been stolen from the home of one of our members in Leicester. The instrument is a Shilke Soprano Cornet (Serial No: 30310).
If anyone has information, the please contact the Leicestershire Police quoting Crime Number CS/06357/06.
Posted on Sep 4, 2006
Crowpie Carnival
Ratby Band continued their Centenary Celebrations on Saturday 12th August at the Ratby Crow Pie Carnival.
As the Carnival's theme was 1906, the Youth Band wore period fancy dress and they led the parade from the top of the village. Band president Phil Plant followed in an MGB Roadster, with the Earl Shilton Church Lads & Girls Brigade band marching and period bicycles riding alongside.
Once down at the playing fields, there were assorted stalls, kiddies rides and of course the tea tent with lots of delicious cakes. Despite the cool, windy weather lots of people enjoyed the karate display, coconut shy, black jack, tombola, bagatelle and bottle stall.
A great day was had by all, raising money for good causes including the running of Ratby Beginner, Training and Youth Bands. But there was no rest for the Senior Band - in the evening, they were off to play at a Proms Concert in Nottingham!
Posted on Aug 13, 2006
Ratby Proms Spectacular
The Massed Ratby Co-operative Bands performed a special Summer Proms Spectacular on Sunday, 11th June in front of a large and appreciative crowd at Braunstone Civic Centre.
All the bands within the organisation took part including the Senior Band, Mid Band, Youth Band, Training Band and Beginner Band. The evening culminated in a thrilling massed band finale of Proms favourites ~ Pomp & Circumstance March No.1, Fantasia on British Sea Songs and Jerusalem.
During the evening, Steve Plant, on behalf of the whole Plant family presented to the Band a beautiful wooden clock made by John Brunt in memory of wife, mother and grandmother, Violet, who died tragically of cancer in 2004. 
Violet was a life-long supporter and friend to the band and the clock will take pride of place in the Bandroom.
Also, Mike Fowles made a special presentation on behalf of the Band to Geoff Newman who served on Euphonium for over forty years, many as Principal with the Senior Band. Geoff continues to be very much involved in the organisation conducting the Mid and Beginner Bands.
Posted on Jun 12, 2006
Senior Trophy Success
Ratby Co-operative Senior Band secured promotion to the 2007 Senior Cup this weekend, with a fourth place finish in the Senior Trophy Competition at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
As part of the qualifying for the British Open, the band gave an impressive performance of Peter Graham's Essence of Time ably conducted by visiting guest conductor Brett Baker.
The band beat off tough competition including ten bands ranked higher in the 4barsrest.com World Rankings.
Posted on May 16, 2006
Celebrations All Round
This year's Senior Band Celebration Concert took place amid some excitement moved at the last minute into Bosworth College's gymnasium. But, as ever, Ratby are a stoic lot and a superb concert followed.
Bandsperson of the Year, voted by band members, went to popular and urbane STEVE GREENALL (Bass Trombonist & committee member). And again this year Musician of the Year was joint, awarded by Michael Fowles to GREG WEBBER and RACHEL HORSEWOOD.
Steve from Coventry has been at Ratby for 3 years and is well known in international tromboning circles. Ratby man Greg thinks he's been in Ratby Band over 25 years, all as a Bass player (and we all know they're a breed unto themselves.!). And Rachel came up through the Junior Band ranks as a youngster, and plays on some 20+ years later.
Well done to the award winners for tremendous efforts (no longer unsung), to the band and also to the audience for their patience and good humour ! See you next year..
Posted on Feb 22, 2006
Prize Up For Grabs
Did you know you could be missing out on £50 every month and £500 at Christmas!
Ratby Band's 200 Club is drawn monthly, with a huge prize fund in December. M B MARTIN (no. 173) won recently, as did G J NETTLETON (no. 31) - it could be you next!
All 200 members of the club get a chance at the prizes and there are a few spare numbers for only £1.50 a month or £18 a year you could be in with a chance of major prizes, and be helping towards the upkeep of the band too. The Christmas prize fund is :
5th prizes x 4 £25 x 4
4th prize £50
3rd prize £100
2nd prize £200
1ST PRIZE £500
drawn at the Christmas Concert. Contact any band member for details of how to join and good luck!
Posted on Feb 22, 2006
Christmas 2005
CHRISTMAS 2005 THE EDITED HIGHLIGHTS
For the true Ratby Band experience, come along to our CHRISTMAS CONCERT at Bosworth College, Desford, on Sunday 11th December 2005 all 4 Ratby Bands playing individually and then together in an extravaganza of Christmas celebrations.
And dont forget the Ratby Training & Youth Bands CAROL CONCERT on Saturday 3rd December 2005 at St Philip & St James Church, Ratby. For many of these young players, this will be their first concert a very special way to start December.
Then, to round the set off, Ratby Mid Band will hold an EVENING OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC, again at St Philip & St James, on Saturday 17th December 2005, a traditional concert with a variety of festive music and between us all musical tastes, and the whole of December catered for !
Posted on Feb 22, 2006
2006 - Ratby's Centenary Year
The Ratby Band Organisation is busy preparing for a frenetic 2006, it's Centenary Year.
The 4 Ratby Bands - Training, Youth, Mid and Senior - have now been joined by a new group, the Beginner Band. The new Band has 11 beginners which takes the total of Ratby musicians up to over 130 !
The Senior and Mid Bands are both hard at work ready for the Midland Regional contests (Championship & Third Sections) in Burton on Trent on 12th March. Both conductors are pleased with how preparations are coming along, with players all working very hard at difficult pieces. The Senior Band has also had some last minute personnel changes - see latest press release.
This contest will be quickly followed by the Grand Shield competion in Blackpool on 13th May for the Senior Band.
And then the Youth, Mid and Senior bands, along with many other music groups, will be appearing at Ratby's Musik Fest at Groby College on Friday 19th and and Saturday 20th May.
June 11th sees the Summer Spectacular, when all the Ratby Bands will be playing (both individually and together). And then it's time for Ratby's Crow Pie Carnival, hosted this year by the Band on Saturday August 12th.
The highlight of the year will be the Ratby Band organisation's Centenary Celebration, at De Montfort Hall, Leicester, on Saturday 16th September. Expect an announcement very soon giving more details of the festivities on the day.
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Posted on Feb 22, 2006
Ratby's Recent Signings
This is our latest press release, sent out to the banding press today.
Ratby Co-operative Brass Band, in its Centenary Year, is delighted to confirm several recent signings.
Daniel Cheadle joins Ratby on Principal Euphonium, following the retirement of Geoff Newman. Geoff, who played in the band on Principal Euph for many years is still very much involved with the organisation as conductor of Ratby Mid Band. Daniel, who started playing aged 8 and lives in Burton on Trent, made a stunning debut at the recent New Year concert in Ratby on Napoli.
Also new to Ratby are Janet and Kevin Davison, who have both been playing at the highest level for over 30 years. Janet plays E flat Bass and Kevin 2nd Trombone and the couple, who come from near Rugby, joined late last year so have already contested with the band.
In addition, Ratby is very grateful to Graham Jacklin for stepping in at very late notice on Flugel for the Area. We are very pleased to have a player of such calibre and experience to enhance our already strong horn section.
Ratby is currently well into preparations for the Midlands Area and is looking forward to a busy 100th year. As well as a Musik Fest, Summer Specactular, the village Crowpie Carnival and a CD, a special Centenary Concert is to take place on Saturday 16th September at De Montfort Hall, Leicester, including a get-together for ex-members. More details to be announced shortly.
Posted on Feb 12, 2006
Come Celebrate
Saturday 8th October sees World Champions RATBY CO-OPERATIVE BRASS BAND celebrating the year's achievements with a special CELEBRATION CONCERT at Bosworth College, Desford.
The concert will celebrate the Band's Gold Medal won in the Brass Band World Championships (1st Division) in Holland in July. This year they also competed in Leicester, Burton on Trent and Blackpool, had a very successful concert season and gained several new players.
A trophy will also be presented to the "Player of the Year" by Musical Director Michael Fowles and band players will vote in the "Bandsperson of the Year".
Tickets for the CELEBRATION CONCERT are £6 (concessions £5) and can be booked via Malcolm Pounder on 0116 238 6749 or bought on the door on the night.
Posted on Oct 4, 2005
Ratby Celebrates new Musical Director
RATBY CO-OPERATIVE BRASS BAND, who were judged best band in Leicestershire earlier this year, will be on top form at their Celebration Concert on Saturday 2nd October - they've appointed a new Musical Director.
MICHAEL FOWLES, from Manchester, has taken up the post of Musical Director and adviser to the Ratby Organisation after a lengthy selection process of international applicants. He said "I am delighted to be associated with such a hard-working organisation as the Ratby Co-operative Brass Band. Having overall musical responsibility for the 4 bands means I can continue influencing the next generation of musicians." President of Ratby Band Philip Plant said "We are very happy Michael is joining us - he is a talented young man with the best interests of our organisation at heart."
Michael will be leading the band in an exciting mix of old and new music at the Concert at Bosworth College in Desford on Saturday night.
Posted on Nov 1, 2004
Ratby Celebrate in Style
RATBY CO-OPERATIVE BRASS BAND, confirmed Michael Fowles as their new Musical Director at their Celebration Concert on Saturday 2nd October 2004.
Michael, from Manchester, has taken up the post after a lengthy selection process of international applicants. He said "I am delighted to be associated with such a hard-working organisation as the Ratby Co-operative Brass Band. Having overall musical responsibility for the 4 bands - 120 players in total - means I can continue influencing the next generation of musicians.
The Celebration Concert also saw the presentation of Player and Bandsperson of the Year Awards. Julie Taylor (2nd Cornet) and Keith Langdon (Tutti Cornet) share the Player of the Year Cup, receiving recognition from Michael for their consistent playing during the last 12 months. Bandsperson of the Year, voted by band members, goes to Sarah Frankham (Asst Band Manager and Press Officer) for her work on the organisational front.
Ratby Co-operative Brass Band will be at the Pontins Contest in October where they will be conducted by Stan Lippeatt due to Michael having other commitments. The Senior Band will end its contest season by supporting the Leicestershire Brass Band Assoc Contest held in Leicester in November, which Ratby's two other contesting bands, the Ratby Mid Band and Ratby Youth Band, will also compete at.
Posted on Nov 15, 2004
Ratby Shows its Strength
The Ratby Organisation had much to shout about at the LBBA Solo, Duet and Quartet Contest held earlier in October at the Groby College, Leicester. The Organisation walked away with a fistfull of prizes. Especially well done to Kat Adams, the senior Bands bright new Flugel star, who retained the Junior Championship, winning the Slow Melody, Sight Reading, Duets, and taking prizes in the Air Varie to give her the overall prize.
The Mid and Youth Band also had winners in the shape of Jonathan Scott, Sophie Nicholls, Paul Holmes, Matthew Haines and Joe Jacklin. Well done to you all, and keep up the good work.
Posted on Dec 1, 2004